How the shots compare
The Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine is the latest to be authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and distributed to states, joining Moderna and Pfizer. The vaccines each offer different pros and cons, outlined below with information gathered from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pros of Johnson & Johnson:
•Single dose
•Can be stored at standard temperatures
•Only vaccine tested variants were circulating
•Vaccine platform has been used in the past
•Fewer reports of allergic reactions
•Excellent safety profile
•Potential for less side effects due to lack of second dose
Pros of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines: while
•High efficacy between 94-95%
•Appears effective against variants
•78.6 million doses already successfully administered to Americans
•Excellent safety profile
•“Real world” test of vaccine yields positive results
Cons of Johnson & Johnson vaccine:
•66% effective against moderate COVID and 85% effective against severe disease
•Side effects more common among younger patients
•Current two-dose clinical trial could prove more effective than single dose
•Cannot be administered to people who are allergic to its ingredients
Cons of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines:
•mRNA platform is first of its kind
•Potential for more side effects due to second dose
•Takes longer to be fully protected due to two-dose schedule
•Requires special cold storage
•Cannot be administered to people who are allergic to its ingredients
Despite the differences between the three vaccines, data has shown all of them are highly safe and effective, and public health experts have urged patients to take what is offered to them.